Madsen, Lovering Represent Utah in NBA Summer League

Coming off a frustrating season, the Utah men’s basketball team is searching for signs of progress as Alex Jensen enters his second year at the helm.One positive development for Utah fans is the sight of several former Utes securing spots on NBA Summer League rosters. While many finished their college careers elsewhere, players like Deivon Smith, who starred at St. John’s, Ezra Ausar, who transferred to former Pac-12 rival USC, and Mike Sharavjamts, who wrapped up his career at South Carolina, are all getting opportunities to showcase their talent this summer. Gabe’s NBA Career The two former Utes who finished their careers on the Hill and have appeared in this year’s NBA Summer League are Gabe Madsen and Lawson Lovering. Ironically, the former teammates squared off against one another on opposing teams inside their old home arena, the Jon M. Huntsman Center.Madsen, a 6’6”, 200-pound forward, transferred to the U from Cincinnati. In his last season as a Ute in ‘24-25, he started in 33 games, averaging 15.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per contest while shooting 37.1% from the field and 32.2% from beyond the arc. Madsen earned himself an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention award for his efforts.Last season, the forward signed a Summer League contract with the Golden State Warriors. He played in two games with the Dubs, and in the latter, Madsen ended with 22 points. The Wisconsin native finished shooting 52% from three last season.Madsen spent last season bouncing around before finding a home with the Sioux Falls Skyforce. He finished the year averaging 9.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 28 minutes per game while shooting 45.9% from the field and an impressive 42.3% from beyond the arc.Through three Summer League games with the Atlanta Hawks at the time of publication, Madsen is averaging 5.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 20.5 minutes per game while shooting 23.8% from the field and 14.3% from beyond the arc. Memphis and Lovering Lovering, a 7’0” center out of Cheyenne, Wyoming, became one of very few NBA players from the state of Wyoming in his debut with the Memphis Grizzlies last season.The center began his professional career with the Memphis Hustle of the NBA G League last season, where he averaged 8.9 points and 7.8 rebounds across 13 games. His play earned him a 10-day contract with the Memphis Grizzlies on Feb. 9, 2026, and he made his NBA debut two days later. In 18 minutes, Lovering finished with three points, four rebounds, and two steals before returning to the Hustle after his contract expired.In two games with Memphis last season, including one start, Lovering averaged 7.0 points per game on 60% shooting from the field, along with 7.5 rebounds and 0.5 blocks per contest. This summer, through three Summer League games with the Grizzlies, Lovering is averaging 4.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.0 assist, and 0.7 blocks in 17.7 minutes per game. What’s Next? When this article is published, Madsen and Lovering will have already competed in Thursday’s action in Las Vegas, with Summer League wrapping up tomorrow. Regardless of the final results, both former Utes are continuing to showcase their talents on a national stage while chasing the next opportunity in their professional careers.